TOPIC: Flash guns

I had a chat with Tom the other night about using flash guns. But I can't remember any of it.
I've been having a look on t'internet at different flashes and completely confused myself. what I'm after is a flash I can use stuck to the camera for portrait type photos and a way of using the flash (or two, or three) when not stuck to the camera when I'm underground. so, I need triggers, right? but what flash guns should I go for (bearing in mind I currently haven't got a clue how to set up a flash) and what sort of triggers do I need to go with said flash guns.
I'm using a canon 600D if that makes any difference!
Once I've got everything I need I can start to have a play and try an work it all out

Also look at the YN565EX. it can be controlled by the camera when attached to the hotshoe (useful for everyday use), or used manually when attached to a trigger. The automatic mode will not work though if it's on top of a trigger on top of the camera though.

I've got a couple of the 560 mk4 too. I must have watched half a dozen reviews for them on youtube and everyone was raving about them. Some went as far as saying they're better than the equivalent canon flash that they're blatantly ripping off